Charles Bean Research Centre

The Charles Bean Research Centre holds written records documenting Australian involvement in war and operational service, as well as the historical background of conflicts in which Australia has been involved and their effects on Australian society.

The majority of records held by the Research Centre have not been digitised and can only be viewed by visiting the Charles Bean Research Centre, or by requesting copies of collection material.

Visitors to the Charles Bean Research Centre are welcome to explore military family or Australian military history.

The Charles Bean Research Centre is located near Poppy’s café.

Monday – Friday: 10 am – 4.30 pm

Saturday: 1 pm – 4.30 pm

The Research Centre is closed Sunday and ACT public holidays.

Request items

We require five business days to facilitate the retrieval of collection items. You will be notified once items are retrieved. Retrieved items will be held for two weeks.

There may be delays or restrictions on items requiring examination, conservation, or stored offsite, or affected by development works. Staff will notify you if your request is affected.

REQUEST

Staff at the Research Centre help with family history research

Researching your family’s military history

Many Commonwealth official records, photographs, diaries and letters can be found in our digital collection.

Assistance with military family history research is available online and through a phone enquiry service.

You can submit your relative’s personal or service details and research question using the form below. We aim to respond to online enquiries within 10 working days.

Ask a military family history question

ASK

Research assistance

Some helpful Research Guides and collection guides can assist you to get started with your research.

Our Reference Officers can be contacted to provide advice about what is in our collections, as well as the collections of related organisations that may benefit your research. Submit an online research enquiry or phone for assistance. We aim to respond to online enquiries within 10 working days.

Ask a question

ASK

Request copies of collection material

Many of the records held by the Charles Bean Research Centre are not available in digital format. You can request a cost estimate for the Memorial to digitise Research Centre collection material for you.

Digitised copies will be made available on the Memorial’s website, or are sent by electronic document transfer.

Request a cost estimate for the Memorial to digitise Research Centre collection material by completing the below form. The fee structure for this service is available on About Collection Sales.

Request a copy estimate

REQUEST

Phone enquiry service

Contact the Charles Bean Research Centre on (02) 6243 4315, between 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday, excluding ACT public holidays.

We can help with short enquiries over the telephone, however if you have a longer or more complex question, please send us an online enquiry instead.

Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians

The Australian War Memorial acknowledges the traditional custodians of country throughout Australia. We recognise their continuing connection to land, sea and waters. We pay our respects to elders past and present.